By Elizabeth Kamara
Journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, also known as “Manager Dust,” along with motorcycle rider Morlai Kamara and driver Umaru Timbo, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown.
They are facing two charges including conspiracy to commit murder and murder under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021.
During the latest court hearing, Detective Inspector Abubakarr Kargbo, attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and residing at Kingtom Police Barracks, testified before the court.
He stated that on January 18, 2025, he and Inspector K. Markew visited the crime scene at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo.
Upon arrival, they observed electrical cables similar to those from the transmission pole, along with a disorganized crime scene that resembled a dumping site.
Following their site visit, on January 20, 2025, Kargbo and Detective Police Constable (DPC) 17987 Momoh Dikay returned to CID Headquarters to interview the first accused, Joseph Mendel Lamin.
Kargbo testified that Lamin was cautioned and questioned in Krio, while Inspector Dikay recorded his statement. Further investigation led to the arrest of the second and third accused.
According to the prosecution, the three accused conspired with others to murder journalist Samuel Brima Mattia on January 15, 2025, at VOPAD Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo.
During the proceedings, defense counsel M. Bayratay informed the court that his client, the first accused, had reported receiving threats from the relatives of the deceased.
The case was adjourned to March 26, 2025, for further hearing.
